Charles Raines shot this photograph of a crowd gathered in front of the Wilson County Courthouse. The event appears to be the official welcoming ceremony in late March 1945 for Major E.D. Winstead, who had recently been released from three years’ imprisonment by the Japanese in the Philippines.

Though Wilson was about 42% African-American at the time, no African-Americans stand in the crowd facing the dais. Rather, as even patriotism required segregation, black citizens who showed up to greet Major Winstead were relegated to the sides and rear of the dignitaries.

Thanks to Mark Raines for sharing his father’s work.